Irmo, January 22, 2026
The recent closure of a national burger and custard chain in Irmo, SC, has sparked discussions on the local economy’s resilience and adaptability. As new challenges arise, Irmo’s diverse business environment continues to thrive with a dedicated focus on fostering growth. Initiatives from the Town of Irmo underline a commitment to local entrepreneurs, ensuring a robust framework for sustained prosperity. This shift reminds residents of the importance of supporting local establishments and embracing change as an opportunity for innovation and community engagement.
Irmo’s Business Climate: A National Chain Closes, Local Resilience Shines
In a dynamic business landscape, change is a constant. Recently, Irmo, SC, experienced a notable shift with the closure of a national burger and custard chain location along Broad River Road. While the departure of any establishment can spark conversation, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the inherent resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that define our local economy and the dedicated efforts to foster Irmo economic growth.
The Town of Irmo and the broader Richland County economy are built on a foundation of diverse businesses, from innovative startups to long-standing community staples. This environment underscores the importance of local adaptability and the continuous pursuit of opportunities for new and existing businesses to thrive. Examining such transitions allows us to appreciate the robust frameworks and community engagement that support Irmo SC business owners and encourage sustained prosperity.
National Trends and Local Adaptations in the Culinary Sector
The recently closed establishment was a branch of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a national chain known for its frozen custard and steakburgers, located in Irmo, SC, along Broad River Road. This event occurs within a broader context of nationwide trends in the fast-food industry. The global fast food market is experiencing steady growth, influenced by factors such as increasing demand for convenience foods, on-the-go snacks, and ready meals. However, different segments of the fast-food market, including burger chains, can experience varying performance, with some larger brands seeing stagnation while higher-end concepts gain market share.
The fast-casual sector, which includes chains similar to Freddy’s, has seen some businesses experience declines in sales growth in recent years. Furthermore, nationwide, the fast-food sector has adapted to evolving consumer preferences, with trends like plant-based burger options and increased reliance on delivery and digital ordering. The local market, much like the national one, is constantly in flux, requiring businesses to be agile and responsive to consumer demands.
Irmo’s Commitment to a Business-Friendly Environment
The Town of Irmo actively cultivates an environment that supports new business growth and retention, aiming for companies to succeed for generations. The Economic Development Team in Irmo encourages exploring the town’s growth and development potential, emphasizing its commitment to a business-friendly atmosphere. Initiatives like the interactive Economic Development map, launched by the Town, allow residents and potential investors to visualize future projects and observe Irmo’s development in real-time.
The Town’s comprehensive plan, “Vision 2035,” serves as a strategic guide for future development, ensuring that Irmo maintains its desired small-town appeal while addressing growth and development pressures. This forward-thinking approach provides a stable and predictable framework for Irmo small business operations and larger commercial ventures, helping to mitigate uncertainties that can arise in dynamic markets.
Richland County: A Hub of Economic Vitality
Irmo benefits significantly from its location within Richland County, which has demonstrated robust economic performance. In 2023, the Richland County Economic Development Office reported a record-breaking year, attracting over $2.35 billion in total investment and creating 4,532 new jobs. These figures represent the most successful year for new capital investment in the county’s history and the best year for job creation since the Economic Development Office’s inception in 2011.
Richland County’s population also saw a growth of 0.616% between 2022 and 2023, with a corresponding 3.09% increase in median household income. Employment in the county grew by 0.504% during the same period, with prominent sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade. This strong regional economic backdrop provides a fertile ground for South Carolina entrepreneurs and businesses in Irmo to flourish.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs and Small Business Resilience
Small businesses are the backbone of any thriving community, and Irmo is no exception. South Carolina’s small businesses accounted for 99.4 percent of all businesses in the state and employed 43.0 percent of its workforce. Between March 2020 and March 2021, South Carolina saw a net increase of 3,785 establishments, with small businesses accounting for a significant portion of these openings.
The Town of Irmo actively recognizes and promotes its local enterprises through programs like the “Business of the Month,” highlighting businesses whose hard work strengthens the community. Such initiatives underscore the value placed on local innovation and the personal achievement of entrepreneurs. While national chain closures can sometimes lead to concerns about economic voids, they also create opportunities for local businesses to expand, innovate, and cater more specifically to community preferences. Studies indicate that chain stores can sometimes displace small businesses and contribute less to local economies. Therefore, a shift towards supporting local establishments can strengthen community ties and promote economic diversity.
The local restaurant scene in Irmo is vibrant, featuring a variety of establishments that contribute to the town’s culinary appeal. The presence of diverse dining options reflects the entrepreneurial spirit within Irmo, with businesses offering unique flavors and experiences.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Irmo’s Economic Future
The closure of a national chain, while a business decision, serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of commerce and the importance of a strong local economic foundation. Irmo’s proactive stance on economic development, coupled with the vitality of the Richland County economy, positions the town well for future growth. The focus on creating a supportive environment for Irmo small business and fostering South Carolina entrepreneurs is crucial.
As Irmo continues to grow and evolve, community engagement and the collective effort to support local enterprises will be paramount. Investing in local businesses, whether through patronage or participation in community initiatives, directly contributes to the town’s economic health and preserves the unique character of Irmo. By championing our local innovators and resilient businesses, Irmo can ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for all its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What national burger and custard chain closed a location near Columbia?
A branch of the national frozen custard and steakburgers chain Freddy’s has closed in Irmo, SC along Broad River Road outside Columbia.
Where was the closed Freddy’s location in Irmo, SC?
The Midlands location of the popular burger chain sat along Broad River Road in Irmo, SC.
What initiatives does the Town of Irmo have for economic development?
The Town of Irmo’s Economic Development Team has a mission to create an environment that supports new business growth and retention, enabling companies to succeed for generations, and welcomes exploration of the town’s growth and development potential with a commitment to a business-friendly environment. The Town also has an interactive Economic Development map to visualize future projects and an “Irmo Vision 2035” comprehensive plan to guide development.
How is the Richland County economy performing?
In 2023, the Richland County Economic Development Office achieved a record-breaking year with over $2.35 billion in total investment and the creation of 4,532 new jobs. Richland County’s population grew by 0.616% between 2022 and 2023, and its median household income increased by 3.09% during the same period.
What is the significance of small businesses in South Carolina?
Small businesses account for 99.4 percent of all businesses in South Carolina and employ 43.0 percent of the state’s workforce. Between March 2020 and March 2021, small businesses were responsible for 14,969 openings and 11,133 closings, contributing to a net increase of 3,785 establishments in the state.
What are some offerings from Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers?
Freddy’s Snack Value Menu includes a NEW Smash Burger Taco starting at $3.49 and a Hot Chocolate Frost – mini only $2.
Key Features of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Chain | National frozen custard and steakburgers chain. |
| Snack Value Menu Item 1 | NEW Smash Burger Taco starting at $3.49. |
| Snack Value Menu Item 2 | Hot Chocolate Frost – mini only $2. |
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Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
